Effective immediately, Jeffco Public Schools has instituted a hiring freeze on almost all non-classroom positions, and all new hires will have to be approved by a district cabinet consisting of 11 people.

According to chief human resources officer Amy Weber, the cabinet last week discussed the hiring freeze, which will exclude grant-funded positions and essential positions such as teachers, para-educators, bus drivers and food service employees.

A one-time Denver police officer was sentenced to a minimum of 15 years in prison after being found guilty of arranging a tryst at a South Jeffco Burger King with a DA’s investigator posing as a 14-year-old.

Joseph Ellsworth, 60, of Colorado Springs was found guilty in October of internet luring of a child and attempted sexual assault on a child.

But last Friday, Denny Dalpez, a South Jeffco blood donor at Bonfils Blood Center, was recognized for hitting the mark at the Golden center that he frequents. Though he generally donates twice month, it took some time for him to make it to 75 gallons — he’s been donating regularly for 23 years.